applied research notes

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
✅ Identify real-world problems that require applied research.
✅ Formulate clear and researchable questions.
✅ Develop research objectives and hypotheses.
✅ Conduct a preliminary literature review to refine research problems.

2.1 Understanding Real-World Problems

• What Makes a Problem Suitable for Research?
• Identifying Industry, Community, and Organizational Challenges
• Stakeholder Perspectives: Businesses, Governments, and Communities

Activity:

Brainstorm current industry or societal challenges that could benefit from applied research.

2.2 From Problem to Research Question

• Characteristics of a Good Research Question (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound - SMART)
• Narrowing Down Broad Problems into Researchable Questions
• Examples of Effective vs. Poor Research Questions

Exercise:

Rewrite the following broad topics into specific research questions:

1. Climate change and business.
2. Employee productivity.
3. Social media and mental health.

2.3 Developing Research Objectives & Hypotheses

• What Are Research Objectives?
• Difference Between Research Objectives & Hypotheses
• Types of Hypotheses (Null vs. Alternative)
• Examples from Business, Healthcare, and Technology

Case Study:

Analyze a research study and identify its objectives and hypotheses.

2.4 Conducting a Preliminary Literature Review

• Why Literature Reviews Matter in Applied Research
• Identifying Gaps in Existing Research
• Finding Credible Sources (Journals, Reports, Industry Publications)

Activity:

Find and summarize one research article relevant to your chosen topic.

Assessment & Activities for Topic 2

📌 Discussion Post: Share a real-world problem and draft a research question.
📌 Assignment: Develop research objectives and hypotheses for a chosen topic.
📌 Quiz: Identifying research problems, forming research questions, and hypotheses.